The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, have jointly emphasized the need for unity among Yoruba traditional rulers as a catalyst for accelerated development in Yorubaland.
Both monarchs stressed that for the region to maintain its enviable position in the comity of nations, Yoruba traditional institutions must work in unison and pursue a common front.
Speaking while receiving the Ooni and his entourage on a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Sunday, Oba Ladoja underscored the critical role of the Ooni in fostering peace and unity among Yoruba monarchs.
According to him, “If we all come together with our ideas and align them with yours, we will have our way. As God will have it, the President of the country, Bola Tinubu, is our son.
“He has even assured me that he will be present at my coronation ceremony on Friday, 26th September 2025.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Ladoja said: “The experience of governance is different from the experience used in political intrigues and the business circle.
“I don’t have the experience Ooni has, because 10 years on the throne is not a joke. By the grace of God, you (Ooni of Ife) will be one of my teachers. I have said this to all the Obas who have visited me.”
He further emphasized that the unity of the Yoruba nation must begin with its traditional rulers: “All the governors that have visited me have been emphasizing the unity of Yorubaland.
“The unity of Yorubaland must start with the unity of the Yoruba traditional rulers, because if the traditional rulers are united, the political class will not be able to manipulate them.”
Ladoja commended the Ooni for his consistent efforts in championing the Yoruba cause. He, however, also tasked the compound heads (Mogajis) and village heads (Baales) to intensify efforts in flushing out criminal elements from their domains.
Mogajis and Baales will be held responsible for any reported cases of illicit acts in their domains,” he warned.
“Your appointment as Mogajis and Baales goes with responsibility, and part of your responsibility is to ensure peace in your respective domains. We will no longer condone any act of indiscipline in Ibadanland.
“Our responsibility as traditional heads is to collaborate with all tiers of government to ensure that peace reigns in our domains.
“Also, this idea of some individuals grabbing land through dubious means for foreigners will no longer be tolerated.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Ooni of Ife expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of Oba Ladoja and called for collective support towards his reign as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Describing the Olubadan-designate as a monarch with rare credentials, Oba Ogunwusi said: “Oba Ladoja will be the first traditional ruler to have served the country as governor and senator and later emerged as a traditional ruler.
“He has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, and his wealth of experience will be brought to bear in this new assignment.”
He also called on the people of Ibadan to prepare to host dignitaries during the coronation ceremony.
“Ibadan will receive high-profile visitors during the coronation of Baba as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am imploring the residents and indigenes of Ibadanland, including myself because I was born here, to display the hospitality nature that this ancient town is known for.
“Baba cannot do it all alone; he needs our support as traditional rulers, residents, and indigenes of the land.”
The Ooni concluded with prayers for the Olubadan-designate: “God has been gracious to you. My prayer is that God grants you long life and good health on the throne of your forefathers.”